# Ferry to Islay Complete guide to the CalMac ferry from Kennacraig to Islay — routes, timetables, booking tips, A83 stops, and what to do if your ferry is cancelled. From a local host with 600+ guest stays. Source: https://portbahnislay.co.uk/islay-travel/ferry-to-islay CalMac operates two routes from Kennacraig — to Port Askaig in the north and Port Ellen in the south. Book ahead for summer sailings and Fèis Ìle. > CalMac operates two routes from Kennacraig — to Port Askaig in the north and Port Ellen in the south. ## Ferry Basics We've been running Portbahn Islay since 2017 and we've made this crossing in every condition — gales, flat calm, fog delays, missed sailings. It's a good journey and we can help you plan it. Below is everything you need: ferry routes and ports, flights from Glasgow, how to read the weather, and how to make the most of the travel day. ### By Ferry from Kennacraig The Isle of Islay is accessible by [CalMac](https://www.calmac.co.uk) ferry from Kennacraig on the Kintyre Peninsula to two ports — [Port Ellen](/explore-islay/islay-villages) (2 hours 20 minutes) and [Port Askaig](/explore-islay/islay-villages) (2 hours). Both ports are approximately 30-40 minutes' drive from our Bruichladdich properties. You have to book a ferry to a specific port rather than just to "Islay" — which port will depend on what time you're travelling. The crossing offers beautiful views across the Sound of Jura. Vehicle reservations are essential and should be booked up to 12 weeks in advance, especially during peak season and [Fèis Ìle](https://www.feisile.co.uk) (the whisky festival) in late May. We can't emphasise this enough. Book your ferry as soon as you book your accommodation if you can. Important note: if there isn't the exact crossing you want, book the closest you can — ferry bookings change daily and if you have enough time before you travel you'll almost certainly be able to change it. But get a reservation in the system! ### Which Port to Choose? Port Askaig is marginally closer to Bruichladdich (25 minutes vs 40 minutes from Port Ellen), but both routes work equally well and the choice of port will be dictated by the sailing times, so don't worry overly. Check which sailing times suit your schedule — Port Ellen and Port Askaig ferries operate on different timetables throughout the day. ### By Air from Glasgow This option suits travellers preferring speed over scenery, though we'd always say try the ferry at least once - it really is part of arriving on Islay. [Loganair](https://www.loganair.co.uk) flies from Glasgow in about 25 minutes, two flights a day during the week, one at the weekend — but it's a small 30-seater, expensive, and car hire and bus travel on the island is limited. Most visitors tend to bring their car on the ferry - pack it up, get the dog in and you can travel about easily when you arrive. If you're a whisky group without a car, or speed is important and money's not a priority, the flight can work well. For most people though the ferry is the journey and part of the holiday. While the ferries are disrupted by wind, it's low cloud that disrupts the flights. Islay Airport doesn't have the radar required to allow landing in poor visibility — the pilots must be able to see the runway clearly. A general rule of thumb: if you can see the other side of Loch Indaal, the plane can land. If you can't, it won't! This can mean some strategic planning — low cloud, get the ferry; high winds, take the plane. If you're not sure, get in touch and we'll help. ### What to Expect on the Crossing Arrive at Kennacraig ferry terminal at least 30-45 minutes before departure or you risk being placed in the standby queue — they are strict! Once you drive onto the ferry, leave your car and head upstairs to the passenger lounges — you cannot remain in your vehicle during the crossing. Pets are allowed aboard on the passenger deck. Foot passengers, head to the main CalMac office or see one of the stewards who will point you towards the ramp onto the ferry. The ferry has an excellent restaurant serving good quality, local hot food - highly recommended (including Jura's own Kirsty's pies!), along with basic snacks and drinks (including Islay whisky and gin of course). We usually plan to have our main meal on the ferry home! The crossing is rarely rough - if it's too windy they cancel the ferries (something to be very aware of - check the weather regularly before you travel and sign up to CalMac alerts). There can be a gentle roll and take sea sickness tablets with you if you need them as they don't sell any on board. Most guests find the crossing relaxing rather than rough. We regularly hear from guests that "the crossing was part of the holiday" - and we agree - it is for us too! ### Planning Your Journey Your journey to Islay typically represents a full travel day, so plan on that and enjoy it. From Glasgow, expect minimum 5-6 hours door-to-door via ferry (3 hours driving to Kennacraig + 2½-hour crossing + onward travel). Stop at Loch Lomond for a picnic, at Loch Fyne for seafood lunch (with a good garden centre and café next door!), or at historic Inveraray with its jail and castle. We recommend treating your first and last days as travel days rather than packing in activities. A week-long stay gives you 5 good activity days. Our guests who book for 7+ nights consistently tell us they wish they'd had longer. Book your [CalMac](https://www.calmac.co.uk) ferry crossing at calmac.co.uk — vehicle reservations open up to 12 weeks ahead. Book as soon as your accommodation is confirmed. ## Routes, Booking & the Crossing CalMac operates two year-round routes from Kennacraig Ferry Terminal on the Kintyre peninsula to Islay. Kennacraig to Port Askaig: 2 hours. Serves the north of the island. More sheltered in bad weather — often the last route to be cancelled when southwest gales arrive. For guests staying near Bruichladdich and the Rhinns: Port Askaig is the closer arrival point, around 25 minutes drive across the island. Kennacraig to Port Ellen: 2 hours 20 minutes. Serves the south — the whisky coast, Port Ellen village, and Islay Airport. More exposed in rough weather than the Port Askaig route. ### Booking Your Crossing Book as early as possible — 12 weeks ahead for summer sailings and Fèis Ìle is not excessive. The island has limited capacity and ferries fill. Foot passengers can often walk on in shoulder and off-peak seasons, but in peak season pre-booking is strongly advised. Cars must always be pre-booked — do not turn up at Kennacraig without a reservation in summer. A practical note on Fèis Ìle: held in late May, this is Islay's busiest week by far. Sailings and standby queues fill weeks in advance. If you're attending, treat ferry booking as step one — before accommodation, before distillery events, before everything. ### What to Expect on the Crossing The approach to Kennacraig already feels like arrival. The A83 through Kintyre is one of Scotland's great coastal drives — the final stretch down from Tarbert is the warm-up act. On board, CalMac ferries have a café, comfortable seating areas, and deck access. In good weather, stand on deck — the crossing offers some of the best views in Argyll, and watching Islay appear on the horizon is one of those moments guests mention in reviews. ### Port Askaig or Port Ellen — Which Is Right for You? If your timetable gives you a choice, which port you arrive at depends on where you are staying. Staying near Bruichladdich and the Rhinns (Portbahn House, Shorefield House): use Port Askaig. Around 30 minutes across the island — a scenic drive through moorland and across to the west coast. Staying near Port Ellen, Bowmore, or the south Islay whisky coast: use Port Ellen. You'll be closer to Laphroaig, Lagavulin, and Ardbeg on arrival. In practice, you don't always get to choose — it depends on which sailing fits your journey. If your booking is for Port Ellen but your sailing is diverted to Port Askaig in bad weather, contact us — we can help you reroute. ## Cancellations & Getting to Kennacraig Ferry cancellations happen. Southwest gales are the main cause, typically in winter and occasionally in autumn. Port Askaig is more sheltered than Port Ellen — when one route is cancelled, the other is often still running. CalMac's real-time updates come through their website and app. If your crossing is cancelled, contact me immediately. We'll find the next available sailing, adjust your check-in, and if you need to stay near Kennacraig overnight, I can point you towards options in Tarbert, 5 minutes away. In 8+ years and over 600 guest stays, we've never had a booking collapse due to CalMac. There's nearly always a solution. That's the mainland side — a cancellation before you sail. If you've already crossed and landed at the wrong port, or you're sorting a late arrival on the island, see [Arriving on Islay](/islay-travel/arriving-on-islay). ### Getting to Kennacraig Kennacraig Ferry Terminal is on the west coast of Kintyre, around 2.5 hours from Glasgow by car. Use the A83 — not the A82. The A83 takes you west through Arrochar, south through Inveraray and down Loch Fyne, then along the Kintyre peninsula to Kennacraig. Don't be late. CalMac releases your booking to standby if you haven't checked in at least 30 minutes before departure — even with a confirmed reservation. The A83 carries heavy lorry traffic on single-carriageway sections through Kintyre. Build in a buffer. Phone signal is strong from Glasgow through Loch Lomond. Once you leave the A82 at Arrochar and take the A83 west, it becomes patchy through much of Kintyre. Download your CalMac booking confirmation, directions, and offline maps before leaving Glasgow. Fuel and food: fill up and do any food shopping on the mainland. Lochgilphead has a large Co-op and is the last major stop before Kennacraig. Inveraray has a Co-op too. Fill up at Lochgilphead rather than arriving on Islay on fumes. The A83 has some excellent stops if you're not in a rush — worth knowing if you're travelling with children, elderly passengers, or dogs: - Loch Fyne Oysters (Cairndow) — exceptional deli with seafood, cheese, and local meats. The Tree Shop Garden Centre next door has good coffee and a walk good for dogs and children. It's where we tend to stop. - Inveraray — Inveraray Jail is worth an hour and Inveraray Castle has exceptional gardens. Both have facilities. - Lochgilphead — the seafront playground is a good stretch for children and dogs. Public toilets on the seafront. Kennacraig is 30 minutes from here. If you arrive at Kennacraig with time to spare, Tarbert (5 minutes back up the road) has a harbour, cafés, and a much calmer wait than the terminal car park. ## Ferry Support Don't panic — here's the reality: Because we live here, we know the ropes. We've helped dozens of guests navigate [CalMac](https://www.calmac.co.uk) disruptions over the years. We hold a 5.0/5 communication rating on Airbnb, and 30+ reviews specifically mention our ferry crisis support! One guest wrote: "Pi looked after us like family during the ferry chaos." We've got you! If your crossing is disrupted, you're not alone. But plan well ahead, watch the weather, get ferry alerts and stay in touch! ### Why Cancellations Occur Weather is the main culprit — wind gusts above 40-45mph can prevent safe boarding or crossing. CalMac also occasionally suspends sailings due to mechanical issues (the fleet is ageing) or industrial action. Winter months see more disruptions than summer, but cancellations can happen any time of year. Be prepared: call ahead, keep an eye on the weather, and sign up for [CalMac travel alerts](https://www.calmac.co.uk/travel-information/disruptions). ### What to Do If Your Ferry is Cancelled - CalMac will contact you via text or email if they cancel your sailing - Call CalMac immediately on 0800 066 5000 to rebook onto the next available sailing - Contact me — I can offer advice or flexible check-in arrangements and possibly additional accommodation if needed - Sign up for live updates by texting "calmac subscribe 09" to 60030 for ferry status alerts ### Flexible Tickets If you book "flexi" tickets (slightly more expensive than standard), you can change your sailing without penalty. This provides peace of mind if you're worried about disruption, particularly for winter bookings. ### Travel Insurance We very strongly recommend travel insurance that covers ferry cancellations. Weather disruptions are a part of island life. Check what your insurance protects regarding this and your accommodation costs if you cannot reach Islay on your planned dates. Most travel policies include "delayed departure" cover. We cannot refund your accommodation costs if your ferry is disrupted or you miss it, unfortunately, so make sure you're properly covered! ### Our Commitment If ferry disruption affects your arrival or departure, contact me immediately. We can usually accommodate late arrivals or adjust check-out times, or even put you up at one of our other properties for an extra night. In 8+ years of hosting hundreds of guests, we've never had a booking completely collapse due to CalMac — there's nearly always a solution, even if it means thinking outside the box! ## Continuing to Jura From Port Askaig, foot passengers and cyclists can take the Jura Passenger Ferry to Feolin on Jura — a 5-minute crossing, no booking needed for foot passengers. Jura is worth a day trip or an evening walk from Port Askaig. [Jura day trip from Islay →](/explore-islay/visit-jura) ## More Information ## What to Expect at Each Port **Off the ferry at Port Askaig** (north end of the island). You drive straight off - no check-in, no luggage handling, just follow the cars up the hill out of the terminal. It's 25 minutes to Bruichladdich along the A846. Phone signal is patchy in the terminal itself but fine once you're up the hill. **Off the ferry at Port Ellen** (south end). Same drill - drive off, follow the road. It's a 45-minute drive to Bruichladdich, mostly along the B8016 across the middle of the island. Co-op Port Ellen is two minutes from the terminal if you need supplies. ## Places & Attractions ### Kennacraig Ferry Terminal Category: transport Island: mainland Kennacraig Ferry Terminal is the CalMac departure point on the Kintyre Peninsula, mainland Scotland, for ferry services to Islay (Port Askaig: 2 hours; Port Ellen: 2 hours 20 minutes). Vehicle reservations essential, bookable up to 12 weeks in advance. Location: Kennacraig, Kintyre Peninsula Website: https://www.calmac.co.uk Phone: 0800 066 5000 ### Port Askaig Ferry Terminal Category: transport Island: islay Port Askaig Ferry Terminal is the northern CalMac arrival/departure point on Islay, 25 minutes' drive from Bruichladdich. It receives ferries from Kennacraig (2 hours) and is the departure point for the Jura crossing to Feolin (5 minutes). Location: Port Askaig Distance from Bruichladdich: 25-minute drive Website: https://www.calmac.co.uk Phone: +44 1496 840245 ### Port Ellen Ferry Terminal Category: transport Island: islay Port Ellen Ferry Terminal is the southern CalMac arrival/departure point on Islay, 40 minutes' drive from Bruichladdich. It receives ferries from Kennacraig (2 hours 20 minutes). Location: Port Ellen Distance from Bruichladdich: 40-minute drive Website: https://www.calmac.co.uk Phone: +44 1496 302209 ### Jura Passenger Ferry (Craighouse–Tayvallich) Category: transport Island: jura Fast catamaran Orion from Tayvallich (mainland) to Craighouse. Under 1 hour. Foot passengers, bikes, and dogs welcome. April-October, Mon/Wed/Fri/Sun. Location: Craighouse, Jura (and Tayvallich, mainland) Website: https://www.jurapassengerferry.com Phone: 07768 450000 ### Tarbert Category: village Island: mainland Tarbert is a harbour town on the Kintyre peninsula, approximately 5 minutes from Kennacraig Ferry Terminal. Convenient as a base for ferry delays or overnight stays. Location: Tarbert, Kintyre ### Loch Fyne Oysters Category: restaurant Island: mainland Loch Fyne Oysters is a seafood deli, restaurant, and shop at Cairndow on the A83, at the head of Loch Fyne. Known for oysters, smoked fish, cheese, and local produce. Location: Cairndow Website: https://www.lochfyne.com ### The Tree Shop Garden Centre & Café Category: cafe Island: mainland The Tree Shop is a garden centre and café adjacent to Loch Fyne Oysters on the A83 at Cairndow. Coffee, cakes, gift shop, and a walk behind the centre suitable for dogs and children. Location: Cairndow ### Lochgilphead Co-op Category: cafe Island: mainland Co-op supermarket in Lochgilphead, approximately 30 minutes from Kennacraig Ferry Terminal. The last major food shopping and fuel stop on the A83 before the Islay crossing. Location: Lochgilphead ### Fèis Ìle Category: event Island: islay Fèis Ìle (pronounced "Fesh Ee-la") is Islay's annual whisky festival held each May — typically the last week of the month over approximately ten days. Each of the island's eleven distilleries hosts its own open day with exclusive bottlings, tastings, and live music. Website: https://feisile.co.uk/ ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How long is the ferry to Islay? CalMac ferries take 2 hours to Port Askaig or 2 hours 20 minutes to Port Ellen from Kennacraig. Book vehicle spaces 12 weeks ahead for summer travel. ### Do you help with ferry disruptions? Yes — we hold a 5.0/5 communication rating and 30+ reviews specifically mention our ferry crisis support. In 8+ years of hosting 600+ guests, we've never had a booking completely collapse. Contact us immediately if CalMac disrupts your crossing.